Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has been suspended from his priestly responsibilities by the Catholic Diocese of Warri in Delta State due to his alleged marriage in the United States.
This was revealed in a statement titled "Decree of Suspension," which was jointly signed by the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, and the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
According to the Diocese, on December 29, 2024, Fr. Oghenerukevwe married Ms. Dora Chichah in the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA.
According to reports, the church took action when the bride's sister's video of the wedding went viral on social media.
"By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 §1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry,” the statement read.
According to the Diocese, on November 30, 2024, Fr. Oghenerukevwe asked to be removed from all canonical duties related to Holy Orders. The Diocese claims that it contacted him and requested the necessary paperwork to start the process, the priest married without completing it.
"As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect (cf. Can. 1333),” the statement added.
The Diocese further stated that Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree but must demonstrate a willingness to reform.
“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”
